Cerebral Palsy and Other Common Birth Injuries That Require Long-Term Care

By Your Health Magazine

New Mexico, the fifth largest state in the US, is home to 2.1 million people. But just like in other states, expecting mothers here are vulnerable to acts of negligence by medical professionals.

Birth injuries can happen at any stage of delivery. Some birth injuries may heal over time, but others are more serious and require ongoing medical care.

Some of these injuries can happen due to medical malpractice. In such situations, your best course of action would be to hire a New Mexico birth injury lawyer. These lawyers have what it takes to ensure that whoever caused such damage to your child faces the full extent of the law.

Here’s a look at cerebral palsy and other common birth injuries, their symptoms, and the kind of care they might need.

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

First off, let’s talk about cerebral palsy (CP). This is a condition that affects the brain and muscles. It happens because something goes wrong with the brain’s development, usually before, during, or right after birth.

People with CP might have trouble with things like movement, balance, and muscle coordination. Some might walk with a limp, others might need a wheelchair, and some might have issues with speech or learning. Each person is different, so CP can look very different from one person to another.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy can happen for a lot of reasons. It could be due to a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth, a severe infection, or other complications. Sometimes, doctors might not know exactly what caused it. But it’s important to remember that CP isn’t caused by anything that parents did or didn’t do.

Other Common Birth Injuries

Besides cerebral palsy, there are other birth injuries that might need long-term care. Here’s a quick look at a few:

Brachial Plexus Injury: This happens when the nerves controlling the arm are damaged during birth. It can make it hard for the baby to move their arm. Some kids recover over time, but others might need ongoing therapy.
Erb’s Palsy: This is a type of brachial plexus injury that specifically affects the shoulder and arm. It’s usually caused by a difficult delivery and can range from mild to severe.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): This condition happens when the baby’s brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. It can lead to serious brain damage and affect a child’s development in various ways.
Forceps Delivery Complications: These can occur if forceps are not used correctly during delivery. This may lead to serious issues like bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage), nerve damage, or skull fractures.

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Why Long-Term Care?

So, why do kids with these conditions often need long-term care? Well, because these injuries can affect different parts of the body and brain, they might need different kinds of help as they grow. Here’s why long-term care is so important:

Ongoing Therapy

Many kids with CP or other birth injuries need physical therapy to help with movement and strength. They might also need occupational therapy to help with daily activities, like dressing or eating.

Medical Check-Ups

Regular visits to doctors and specialists are crucial to monitor their progress and adjust treatments. This might include visits to neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, or speech therapists.

Special Equipment

Some kids might need special tools or devices to help them move around or communicate. This could include wheelchairs, braces, or communication devices.

Education Support

Kids with these conditions might need extra help at school. Special education programs or individualized support can make a big difference in their learning experience.

Final Thoughts

Caring for someone with cerebral palsy or another birth injury is a huge responsibility. With the right support and care, people with these conditions can lead fulfilling lives and reach their potential.

If you ever find yourself in a position to help or support someone with a birth injury, remember that your understanding and kindness can have a huge impact on how they eventually turn out to be in life. So, please, take good care of them.